chapter 1: caryā चर्या
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The Ultimate Way of Living
From that space of oneness with
Sadashiva, shakthis manifest.
Nithyananda Yogis demonstrate
superhuman powers from the higher
states of consciousness; the space of
Oneness with Sadashiva. A
Nithyananda Yogi is able to manifest
powers such as Body scanning,
remote viewing, levitation and
materialization, freely without
worrying of deviating from the path
of Enlightenment.
Just as the fire latent in wood does not
appear without churning, so the lamp
of wisdom does not arise without the
happening of Yoga.
(Yoga-Kundaly Upanishad III.14-15)
In this chapter, you will find the original scriptures, pramanas, related to Yogic Lifestyle:
1 Preparations for the manifestation of Yoga 2 Choosing the space 3 Preparatory rites 4 Qualities needed for success in Yoga 5 The parts of Yoga manifestation: Asana, Pranayama, meditation... 6 Yamas and Niyamas (having the right context)
Let us now enter into the Lifestyle of Nithyananda Yogis!
Yoga is Cosmic Alignment
Atma Pramāna - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Yoga is aligning your spine to the Cosmic Geometry. Your spine feeling your existence is prana. Prana, the cosmic currency flows through you the moment you are integrated to the though current you cherish and alighn your spine to the Cosmic geometry.
Yoga, Kriyas and Tattvas
for New Specie
Atma Pramāna - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
With proper Kriyas, Yoga, your body should be prepared; and proper Tattvas, principles, mind should be prepared; with proper Initiation, Kundalini should be awakened; then the whole awakened energy stays inside your system eternally as part of your muscle-memory and bio-memory. You become a new being, a Jeevan Mukta! You know how to carry the space of Sadashivoham!
Four Shakthis / Tattvas of a Yogi
Atma Pramāna - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Integrity awakens the power of words; Vak Shakti. Authenticity awakens the power of thoughts; Mano Shakti. Responsibility awakens the power of feeling; Prema Shakti. Enriching awakens the power of living; Atma Shakti.
1. You are Already the Ultimate
Atma Pramāna - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
You are the Ultimate, even when you think you are manifesting bondage, you are manifesting suffering, you are manifesting all the unnecessary things.
2. Will-persistence is
What You Need
Atma Pramāna - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Decision, will-persistence, decision, will-persistence to manifest all the best things, is the science of power manifestation. Everything you manifest even now, you manifest so, your decision to manifest what you want and will-persistence is only required for you to manifest powers or whatever you want in your life.
| 3. Guru for Shaktipata is the Basic Requirement Atma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda | Sadāshiva, is required in the form of Guru in your life, only to do Shaktinipāta, to make these two statements into reality, that's all. With this three statements, essence of Hinduism, essence of Shuddhādvaitam is in front of you. |
| Add Integrity to Your Creation Atma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda | Your creativity plus integrity is Sadāshiva's creation energy, is Sadyojāta. Only from Satya, anything can be born, Jāta means born. Sadyojāta means born out of Integrity. Anything, which is born out of Integrity, only will stand forever. So the creation face of Sadāshiva is Sadyojāta in all your creativity. It can be as simple as cooking to as complicated as manifesting wealth. It can be as lower as you think; sexual desires, or it can be as high as higher, as creating your Enlightenment. Any creation—including manifesting powers—any creation, including manifesting powers, add Integrity to it. Out of Satya, anything born, Sadyojāta, anything born out of Integrity will stay forever and do good to you. You all have that creation mood in you, that is Aham. When you add Integrity to it you will become Sadāshivoham, in your creativity. |
| Living in Oneness Atma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda | From the space of Oneness with Him, we don't manifest only powers, but also powerful cognitions, and the realization of our own Sadāshivatva, living the state, radiating the space and manifesting the Shaktis of Sadāshiva. |
| Ways of Shaktinipata Atma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda | The moment you see the master, see the Guru, in His presence you will see the breathing pattern automatically changes. Understand. Whenever eyes opening wide to drink His form, mouth opening wide because uncontainable joy, breathing pattern changing, ears getting into the listening space, skin experiencing goose bumps, all these are the clear definition that you are having Shaktipata. Whether you see Him, remember Him, celebrate Him, dance with Him, eat with Him, live around Him or in the modern days, getting a 'like' from Him, all this is Shaktipata. |
Shaktipata does not need your belief. It just needs your integrity
Ātma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
You being clear about what you want from you, and what do you want from from Guru. That's all I call it Integrity.
Shaktipata needs no logic
Ātma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Shaktinipata means start living the instructions and initiations without waiting for your logic to get convinced. The joy you experience, when you live, just because He said, that's it. That joy is called Shaktinipata.
Living in Oneness
Ātma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
From the space of Oneness with Him, we don't manifest only powers, but also powerful cognitions, and the realization of our own Sadashivatva, living the state, radiating the space and manifesting the Shaktis of Sadashiva.
No practice for the Nithyananda Yogi - Declare and Manifest!
Ātma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Thou shall not do any spiritual practice. If you are my disciple and doing any spiritual practice, it is disrespect to Me. Declare and manifest. First and foremost lesson you need to know is declaration of your will, the straight method to manifest powers.
Paramatman
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Raurava Agama -
Mantrartha Varnanam X.67
दूरंगमत्वखचरत्वं सुदूरदृक् च |
अदृश्यत्वमेवमणिमादि मुनौ यदार्यम ||
dūraṃgamatvakhacaratvaṃ sudūradṛka ca |
adṛśyatvamevamaṇimādi munau yadāryama ||
Translation Since Lord Siva occupies the body and soul of highly enlightened and perfect yogis and sages, He shines forth as the Great Self of all of them. So He is Paramatman. Paramatman
Yogapitha samsthita
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Raurava Agama -
Mantrartha Varnanam X.22
अनादिशिवसद्भावयोगयुक्तः सदाशिवः ।
मन्त्रयोगमयेपीठे तत्स्थस्तेन चोच्यते ॥२२॥
anādiśivasadbhavayogayutaḥ sadāśivaḥ |
mantrayogamayepīṭhe tatrasthastena cocyate ||22||
Translation The unique system of Yoga exclusively belonging to Siva is known as Sivasadhbava Yoga which is centered on the essential qualities of Sadasiva and on the nature of being eternally free from the three limiting factors — anava, karma and maya. Lord Siva constantly remains established in the Yoga of Sivasadbhava. He is uninterruptedly seated on the pedestal which is of the nature of mantra Yoga (that is, the pedestal designed with mantras). Therefore He is praised as Yogapitha samsthita. 22
Nitya Yogi
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Raurava Agama -
Mantrartha Varnanam X.23
अभ्युत्थितेन योगेन शाश्वतेनानुरञ्जितः ।
नित्यं योगिति तेनोक्तः शिवस्तत्त्वार्थकोविदैः ॥२३॥
abhyutthitena yogena śāśvatenānurañjitaḥ |
nityaṃ yogīti tenoktaḥ śivastattvārthakovidaiḥ ||23||
Translation Being ever-relevant and superior to all other systems of Yoga, the specific Yoga known as Sivasadhbava Yoga is always in much exalted state. Being firmly established in this unique Yoga, He is always in delighted state. Therefore He is called 'Nitya Yogi' by the experts in knowing the essential nature of tattvas. 23
Practice (Abhyasa)
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Srimat Sarvajnanottra Agama -
Yoga Pada 1
श्रीमत् सर्वज्ञानोत्तरागमः योगप्रकरणम्
एकाकिनस्तु शान्तस्य यतचित्त विरागिणः ।युक्तहार
विहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु ॥
युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य तत्व शृणु षण्मुख । १।
eka'kinastu s'a'ntasya yatacitta vira'gin.ah?|
yukta'ha'ra viha'rasya yukta ces't'asya Karmasu|
yukta svapna'va bodhasya tattvatah s'r'n.u s''an.mukha |1|
Translation O, San mukha!, I will explain the disciplines of Yoga as applicable to the one who is alone keeping himself dissociated from the company of worldly-minded persons, who is with settled mind, who is with deep sense of detachment by keeping his mind under control, who takes moderate food, who limits himself in his routine worldly activities and who sleeps moderately and keeps himself awake sufficiently. Listen to my instructions on Yoga.
Yogapitha samsthita
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Chapter 11.1
अभ्यासाच्चित्तरोधो विषयविरसनाच्चात्मनीशस्य मूर्त्तौ
अन्यस्मिन् वान्यवृत्तिव्यवधिविरहिते चित्तवृत्तिप्रवाहे ॥
पौनःपुन्येन यत्न प्रचयाकरणमभ्यास एषः स्थिरः स्यान्
नैरन्तर्यादराभ्यां सह चिरभजनात् स्यादविरतोऽथ योगः । १ ।
abhyāsāccittarodho viṣayavirasanāccātmanīśasya mūrttau
anyasmin vānyavṛttivyavadhivirahite cittavṛttipravāhe ||
pounaḥpunyena yatna pracayakaraṇamabhyāsa eṣaḥ sthiraḥ syān
nairantaryādarābhyāṃ saha cirabhajanāt syādavirato'tha Yogaḥ | 1 |
Translation Practice (abhyasa) brings control of the modification of the citta, detachment towards the (sense) objects, establishes God in the Self, and there is absence of other disturbing factors in the flow of thought. Repeated, intensive, steady, consistent, and devoted effort made over a long period of time is abhyasa. This is Yoga.
Keep the mind balanced for Yoga
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Śrīmat Sarvajñānottra Āgama -
Yoga Pada 4
मानामानी समौ कृत्वा सुखदुःखै समे तथा ॥ ४॥
हर्षं भयं विषादं च संत्यज्य योगमभ्यसेत् ।
ma'na'ma'nau samau kr'tva' sukha duhkhe same tatha 'hars"am bhayam vis"a'dam ca samtyajya Yogamabhyaset || 4 ||
Translation Keeping the mind balanced well when honored or abused, and in the same way when delighted or distressed and having completely freed himself from being subject to excessive delight, fearfulness and despondency, the sadhaka should repeatedly practice the disciplines of Yoga.
Rites before practice
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Śrīmat Sarvajñānottra Āgama -
Yoga Pada 7
स्नात्वा शुचिरुपस्पृश्य प्रणम्य शिरसा शिवम् ॥७॥
योगाचार्यं नमस्कृत्य योगं युञ्जीत मानवः ।
sna'tva' s'uciruspr's'ya pran.amya s'irasa' s'ivam Yoga'ca'ryam namaskr'tya Yogam yun"jita ma'navah || 7 ||
Translation Having taken the usual ceremonial bath, maintaining purity in body and mind, having performed the succeeding rites such as getting besmeared with vibhu'ti and sprinkled with consecrated water, having prostrated before Siva and his A'ca'rya(Guru) who has initiated him into the discipline of Yoga, the sa'dhaka should attentively involve himself in the disciplines of Yoga.
The Nishpatti-Avestha –
Reaching Immortality
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita-III.66
ततोऽभ्यासक्रमेणैव निष्पत्तिर्योगिनो भवेत् ।
अनादिकर्मबीजानि येन तीर्त्वाऽमृतं पिबेत् ॥ ६६ ॥
tato'bhyāsakrameṇaiva niṣpattirYogino bhavet | anādiKarmabījāni yena tīrtvā'martaṃ pibet || 66 ||
Translation After this, through gradual exercise, the Yogi reaches the Nishpatti-avestha (the condition of consummation). The Yogi, having destroyed all the seeds of Karma which existed from the beginning, drinks the waters of immortality.
Shiva is the Highest Goal
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita-V.205
त्रिपुरे त्रिपुरन्त्वेक शिवं परमकारणम् ।
अक्षयं तत्पदं शान्तमप्रमेयमनामयम् ॥
लभतेऽसौ न सन्देहो धीमान्सर्वमभीप्सितम् ॥ २०५ ॥
tripure tripurantveka śivaṁ paramakāraṇam |
akṣayaṁ tatpadaṁ śāntamaprameyamanāmayam ||
labhate'sau na sandeho dhīmānsarvamabhīpsitam || 205 ||
Translation O Goddess! Shiva, the destroyer of Tripura, is the One first and highest cause. The wise attains Him, whois unchanging, undecaying, all peace, Immeasurable and free from all ills – the Highest Goal.
Yoga is a great science (mahavidya)
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita-V.206
शिव विद्या महाविद्या गुप्ता चाग्रे महेश्वरि ।
मद्भाषितमिदं शास्त्रं गोपनीयमतो बुधैः ॥ २०६ ॥
śiva vidyā mahāvidyā guptā cāgre maheśvari |
madbhāṣitamidaṁ śāstraṁ gopanīyamato budhaiḥ || 206 ||
Translation O Great Goddess! This science of Shiva is a great science (mahavidya), It had always been kept secret.Therefore, this science revealed by me, the wise should keep secret.
Hatha Yoga should be kept as a great secret
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita-V.207
हठविद्या परंगोप्या योगिना सिद्धिमिच्छता ।
भवेद्वीर्यवती गुप्ता निर्वीर्या च प्रकाशिता ॥ २०७॥
hathavidyā paramgopyā Yoginā siddhimicchata |
bhavedvīryavatī guptā nirvīryā ca prakāśitā || 207||
Translation The Yogi, desirous of success, should keep the Hatha Yoga as a great secret. It becomes fruitful while keptsecret, revealed it loses power.
Order of Practice
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 3)
आसनं कुम्भकश्चित्रं मुद्रादि- करणं तथा ॥
अथ नादानुसन्धानम् अभ्यासानुक्रमेण तु ॥ ३ ॥
āsanaṁ kumbhakaścitraṁ mudrādi- karaṇaṁ tathā ||
atha nādānusandhānaṁ abhyāsānukrameṇa tu || 3 ||
Translation The proper sequence of the Yoga practice is: āsana, different kumbhakas, mudrās and nādānusandhāna. 3
caryā
Daily practice of Yoga
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 6)
युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु ॥
युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दुःखहा ॥ ६ ॥
yuktāhāravihārasya yuktaceṣṭasya karmasu ||
yuktasvapnāvabohasya yogo bhavati duḥkhahā || 6 ||
Translation Practice of Yoga alleviates suffering, if one follows the daily regimen of moderation in diet, activity, physical effort, action, sleep and awakening. 6
Order of Practice
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 3)
शिव विद्या महाविद्या गुप्ता चाग्रे महेश्वरि ।
मद्भाषितमिदं शास्त्रं गोपनीयमतो बुधैः ॥ २०६ ॥
śiva vidyā mahāvidyā guptā cāgre maheśvari |
madbhāṣitamidaṁ śāstraṁ gopanīyamato budhaiḥ || 206 ||
Translation O Great Goddess! This science of Shiva is a great science (mahavidya), it had always been kept secret. Therefore, this science revealed by me, the wise should keep secret.
Order of Practice
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 3)
हठविद्या परंगोप्या योगिना सिद्धिमिच्छता ।
भवेद्वीर्यवती गुप्ता निर्वीर्या च प्रकाशिता ॥ २०७॥
hathavidyā paramgopyā Yoginā siddhimicchata |
bhavedvīryavatī guptā nirvīryā ca prakāśitā || 207||
Translation The Yogi, desirous of success, should keep the Hatha Yoga as a great secret. It becomes fruitful while keptsecret, revealed it loses power.
Order of Practice
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 3)
आसनं कुम्भकश्चितं मुद्रादि- करणं तथा ॥
अथ नादानुसन्धानम् अभ्यासानुक्रमेण तु ॥ ३ ॥
āsanaṁ kumbhakaścitraṁ mudrādi- karaṇaṁ tathā ||
atha nādānusandhānaṁ abhyāsānukrameṇa tu || 3 ||
Translation The proper sequence of the Yoga practice is: āsana, different kumbhakas, mudrās and nādānusandhāna. 3
Attaining success in Yoga
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭharatnāvalī (Chapter I, Verse 78)
उत्साहान्निश्चयाद् धैर्यात्तत्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनात्
बिन्दुस्थैर्यान्मिताहाराज्जनसङ्गविवर्जनात् ॥
निद्रात्यागाज्जितश्वासात् पीठस्थैर्यादनालसात्
गुर्वाचार्यप्रसादाच्च एभिर्योगस्तु सिद्ध्यति ॥ ७८ ॥
utsāhānniscayād dhairyāttatvajnānāthadarśanāt
bindusthairyānmītāhārājjanasaṅgavivarjanāt ||
nidrātyāgājjitaśvāsāt pīṭhasthairyādanālasāt
gurvācāryaprasādācca ebhīrYogastu siddhyati || 78 ||
Translation Succes in Yoga can be attained through these means: enthusiasm, firm resolution, patience, correct understanding of the principles underlying the phenomenal creation, stability of bindu, consumption of moderate food, avoiding public contact and sleep, having control over breath, attaining stability in an asana, diligence, pleasing the Guru and acharya. 78.
Attaining success in Yoga
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭharatnāvalī (Chapter I, Verse 79)
श्रुत्याचार्यप्रसादाच्च योगाभ्यासबलेन च ॥
ईश्वरानुग्रहेणैव योगसिद्धिस्तु जायते ॥ ७९ ॥
śrutyācāryaprasādācca yogābhyāsabalena ca ||
īśvarānugraheṇaiva Yogasiddhistu jāyate || 79 ||
Translation Success in Yoga can be attained by favour of the (lessons of the) scriptures, grace of ācārya, Yoga practice and grace of īśvara. 79
Through practice, one attains success in Yoga
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭharatnāvalī (Chapter I, Verse 23)
युवा भक्ति वृद्धो ऽपि व्याधितो दुर्बलोऽपि वा ॥
अभ्यासात्सिद्धिमाप्नोति सर्वयोगेष्वतन्द्रितः ॥ २३॥
yuvā bhavti vṛddho 'pi vyādhito durbalo'pi vā |
abhyāsātsiddhimāpnoti sarvayogesvatandritaḥ || 23 ||
Translation Through a diligent practice, one attains success in all the Yogas, irrespective of one's being young, old, diseased or decrepit. 23.
Control over sleep, food and breath through Yoga
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭharatnāvalī (Chapter I, Verse 69
त्यक्तनिद्रो मिताहारो जितश्वासो जितेन्द्रियः ॥
हठाभ्यासपरो नित्यं योगी ब्रह्मसमो भवेत् ॥ ६९ ॥
tyaktanidro mitāhāro kītaśvāso jitendriyaḥ ॥haṭhābhyāsaparo nithyaṃ yogī brahmasamo bhavet ॥ 69 ॥
Translation A devoted practitioner of Haṭha, who is consistent in this practice, has gained control over sleep, food breath and senses, attains Brahma. 69
What ruins Yoga practice
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭharatnāvalī (Chapter I, Verse 77)
अत्याहारः प्रयासश्च प्रजल्पो नियमग्रहः ॥
जनसङ्गश्च ल्यौल्यञ्च षड्भिर्योगो विनश्यति ॥ ७७ ॥
atyāhāraḥ prayāsaśca prajalpo niyamāgrahaḥ ॥
janasaṅgañca laulyañca ṣaḍbhiryogo vinaśyati ॥ 77 ॥
Translation Excess eating, over-exertion, talkativeness, extreme austerity, public contact, and greed - these six ruin Yoga practice. 77
What to avoid for Yoga
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭharatnāvalī (Chapter I, Verse 73)
तथा च गोरक्षवचनम् -
वर्जयेद्दुर्जनप्रीतिवह्निस्त्रीपथसेवनम् ॥
प्रातःस्नानोपवासादिकायक्लेशादिकं तथा ॥ ७३ ॥
tathā ca gorakṣavacanam - varjayeddurjanaprītivahnistrīpathasevanam ॥ prātaḥsnānopavāsādikāyakleśādikaṃ tathā ॥ 73 ॥
Translation One should shun company of wicked people, fire, women, (long) walk, morning bath, skipping meals and excessive physical strain. 73
Description of Asana as seat for Yogic Practice
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Parameśvarāgama (Ch. 10 SivaYoga, 20)
योगासननिरूपणम्
शुचौ देशे प्रतिष्ठाप्य स्थिरमासनमात्मनः ।
तारक्षवं वा मार्गं वा चर्मास्तीर्य तथोपरि ॥२०॥
yogāsanani rūpaṇam śucau deśe pratiṣṭhāpya sthiramāsanamātmanaḥ | tārakṣavaṁ vā mārgaṁ vā carmāstīrya tathopari ||20||
Translation One should make a firm seat in the holy place and put skin of Tarakshu or deer on it. ||20||
Description of Yogis seat
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Parameśvarāgama (Ch. 10 - SivaYoga.21)
आस्तीर्य कम्बलं कृष्णं वस्त्रं काषायमास्तरेत् ।
अभ्यसेदासनं चादावुपविश्य यथासुखम् ॥ २१॥
āstīrya kambalaṁ kṛṣṇaṁ vastraṁ kāṣāyamāstaret | abhyesedāsanaṁ cādāvupaviśya yathāsukham ||21||
Translation That seat should be covered with black blanket and ochre coloured cloth respectively and then practice to sit comfortably on the seat. ||21||
Yoga Flourishes through Asana and Pranayama
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Chapter 7.1
सम्प्राप्तबीजभावो यमनियमाभ्यामयं योगः ।
प्राणायामासनकैरेङ्कुरवान् साधकस्य भवेत् ॥ १ ॥
samprāptabījabhāvo yamaniyamābhyāmayaṁ Yogaḥ | prāṇāyāmāsanakaraiṅkuravān sādhakasya bhavet ||1||
Translation On attainment of bijabhava (foundation in Yoga practices) by the practice of yama-niyama, this Yoga flourishes (sprouts) for a Yogi through pranayama and asana. 1.
What Benefits Yogi gets through Asana
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Chapter 7.2
स्यादासने स्थैर्यमरोगताङ्गेषु
लाघवं दुःखौसुखोष्णशितैः ॥
द्वन्द्वैर्जितैऽस्मिन् अभिभूयते
नानन्ते समापत्तितया यमाभ्याम् ॥२॥
Translation One gets stability, good health and lightness in the limbs through asanas and moreover, overcomes the duality of happiness and suffering, heat and cold, by meditating on infinity and practice of yama and niyama. 2.
syādāsane sthairyamarogatāṅgeṣu
lāghavaṁ duḥkhasukhoṣṇaśītaiḥ ॥
dvandvairjite'smin abhibhūyatenā
nante samāpattitayā yamābhyām ॥ 2 ॥
Means to control Prana include Asana, Diet and Cleansing the Body
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Chapter 7.3
साधनत्रयमिदं मरुज्जये
प्रोदितं हि मितजग्धिविष्टरे ॥
शक्तिचालमथ साधनयुग्मं
नाभिवायुधृति नाडिचालनम् ॥ ३ ॥
sādhanatrayamidaṁ marujjaye
proditaṁ hi mitajagdhiviṣṭare ॥
śakticālamatha sādhanayugmaṁ
nābhivāyudhṛti nāḍīcālanam ॥ 3 ॥
Translation Moderate diet, (mastery in) asanas and sakticalana - these three means are (recommended) for control over prana. Retention of prana at the navel and (moving the) prana into the nadis are the two means. 3.
Quick Results with the Grace of the Guru
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Chapter 11.4
स्यात् सङ्गः सिद्धतीर्थाद्यदि सुकृतवशात् प्राग्भवाभ्यासजोऽयं
यद्द्वारा [अश्चिमेन त्वर्तिमिह फलं दृश्यते क्वापि लोके ॥
तत्स्र्वं नान्यनाड्या शिरसि परिगतेनानिलेनेक्ष्यतेऽदस्
तस्मादभ्यास एव त्वरितलघुभिदा योगतस्तीर्थलब्धात् ॥ ४ ॥
syāt saṅgaḥ siddhatīrthādyadi sukṛtavaśāt prāgbhavābhyāsajo'yaṁ
yaddvārā [aścimena tvartimiha phalaṁ dṛśyate kvāpi loke ॥
tatsarvaṁ nānyanāḍyā śirasi parigatenānilenekṣyate'das
tasmādabhyāsa eva tvaritalaghubhidā yogatastīrthalabdhāt ॥ 4 ॥
Translation In this life when the results are obtained quickly, it is due to the practice in the previous life and with the fortunate company of a Guru. This is prana reaching to the head through the posterior path and not through any other channels and with the grace of a Guru. Therefore, practice alone is important.
Controlling of the Ego
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Chapter 11.6
कर्पूरे जीर्णता किञ्चित् काठिन्यं तन्म जायते ।
अहंकारजये तद्वद्देहे कठिनता कुतः ॥ ६ ॥
karpūre jīrṇatā kiñcit kāṭhinyaṁ tanma jāyate |
ahaṁkārajaye tadvaddehe kaṭhinatā kutaḥ || 6 ||
Translation
Camphor having been old, becomes soft.
Similarly, if ego is controlled, there
remains no rigidity in the body. 6
Santivahita
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Chapter 11.7
अवृत्तिकस्यात्मनि शान्तवाहिता-सम्पादनार्थं मनसः प्रयत्नः ॥
अभ्यास एषश्चिरकालसेवितः सत्कारवान् स्याद्दृढभूमिरतृट् ॥ ७ ॥
avṛttikasyātmani śāntavāhitā-sampādanārthaṁ mānasaḥ prayatnaḥ ||
abhyāsa eṣaścirakālasevitaḥ satkāravān syāddṛḍhabhūmiratṛṭ || 7 ||
Translation All mental efforts are to attain the state of quietness (santivahita) of the Self, which is devoid of mutation (modification). When practice becomes consolidated one becomes desireless over a long period of time.
Pranavayu Eating up the Impurities in the Body
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Chapter 11.9
यथा यथा स्याद् दृढभूमिका मुनावभ्यासतः सन्ततदीर्घसेवितात् ॥
तथा तथा प्राणमरुत् सुसिधोऽदन् धातुदोषान् तनुमीप्सितां चरेत् ॥ ९ ॥
yathā yathā syād dṛḍhabhūmikā munāvabhyāsataḥ santatadīrghasevitāt ||
tathā tathā prāṇamarut susidho'dan dhātudoṣān tanumīpsitāṁ caret || 9 ||
Translation As the practice conducted over long period with consistency becomes deep rooted, the pranavayu having been well-controlled eats up the impurities in the bodily constituents of aYogi and course through the body in the desired manner.
Technique to Gain Mastery on Breath, Mind and Senses
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Rudrayamala Tantra 23.18-21
सदा सम्पूरयेद्वायुं भावको गतभीर्महान् ।
भक्ष्यस्थाने समायोज्य पिबेद्वायुमहर्निशम् ॥ २३.१८ ॥
चतुःषष्ठिदिने सर्वं क्षयं कृत्वा ततः सुधीः ।
payobhakṣaṇamakuryāt sthiracetā jitendriyaḥ ॥ २३.१९ ॥
पयः प्रमाणं वक्ष्यामि हस्तप्रस्थं त्रयं त्रयम् ।
शनैः शनैर्विजेतव्याः प्राणा मत्तगजेन्द्रवत् ॥ २३.२० ॥
ष मासाज्जायते सिद्धिः पूरकदिषु लक्षणाम् ।
क्रमेणाष्टाङ्गसिद्धिः स्याद् यतीनां कामरूपिणाम् २३.२१ ॥
sadā sampūrayedvāyuṁ bhāvako gatabhīrmahān |
bhakṣyasthāne samāyojya pibedvāyumaharniśm || 18 ||
catuḥṣaṣṭhidine sarv kṣayaṁ kṛtvā tataḥ sudhīḥ |
payobhakṣaṇamākuryāt sthiracetā jitendriyaḥ || 19 ||
payaḥ pramāṇaṁ vakṣyāmi hastaprasthaṁ trayaṁ trayaṁ |
śanaiḥ śanairvijetavyaḥ prāṇā mattagajendravat || 20 ||
ṣa māsājjāyate siddhiḥ pūrakādiṣu lakṣaṇām |
krameṇāṣṭāṅgasiddhiḥ syād yatīnāṁ kāmarūpiṇāṁ ||21 ||
Translation Giving up great fear, the vital breath should be taken in the stomach; And in a systematic way, breath inhaled day and night. (23.18)Thus the advanced practitioner should continue the process for sixty-four days and become firm in it; Then the one who has stablised his mind and senses should drink milk (and sustain himself upon it). (23.19)I am telling about the measure of milk to be taken; it should be in the measure of three handsful; (By doing so) gradually the (five) prānas are controlled like an excited elephant. (23.20) Thus in six months one gains mastery in this method, and this is the sign of pūraka (prāṇāyāma); Gradually in this sequence the mastery of Aṣṭāṅga Siddhi may be gained by sensuous ascetics. (23.21)
Understanding Breath Control and Time Management
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Rudrayamala Tantra 23.77
आसनं यो हि जानाति वायूनां हरणं तथा ।
कालादीनां निर्णयं तु स कदाचिन्न नश्यति ॥ २३.७७ ॥
āsanaṁ yo hi jānāti vāyunāṁ haraṇaṁ tathā |
kālādīnāṁ nirṇayaṁ tu sa kadācinna naśyati || 77 ||
Translation The one who knows to control the breath and has the understanding of time management etcetera; He never dies. (23.77)
Yogi Must Experience Pranayama
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Yoga Rahasya of Nathamuni II.57
अभ्यसेत् प्राणरोधाख्यं योगाङ्गं गतभीर्मुनिः ।
उषः काले च मध्यान्हे सायाह्ने चार्धरात्रके ॥ ५७॥
abhyaset prāṇarodhākhyaṁ yogāṅgaṁ gatabhīrmuniḥ |
uṣaḥ kāle ca madhyānhe sāyāhne cārdharātrake || 57||
Translation The person following the path of Yoga must practice the anga called pranayama, before sunrise, at midday, before sunset and at midnight.
Preparation for Nadishuddhi
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.2
सुदिने मङ्गलं कृत्वा नत्वा गुरूपदाम्बुजम् ।
स्मृत्वा गणपतिं स्वेष्टदेवतां साधकः शुचिः ॥
प्रारभेत मुदा शान्तो नाडिशुद्धिं यथोदिताम् ॥ इति ॥ २ ॥
sudine maṅgalaṁ kṛtvā natvā Gurupadāmbujaṁ |
smṛtvā gaṇapatiṁ sveṣṭadevatāṁ sādhakaḥ śuciḥ |
prārabheta mudā śānto nāḍīśuddhiṁ yathoditām || iti || 2 ||
Translation A sadhaka having been purified on an auspicious day after performing mangala (auspicious beginning), worshipping the lotus feet of the Guru, worshipping Ganapati and the tutelary deity, should start nadisuddhi as prescribed, in a poised and peaceful manner.
Technique for Comfortably Maintaining Kumbhaka
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.3
श्लक्ष्णवल्लिजचूर्णाद्यगोघृतं स्वानने पुरा ।
उपजिह्वान्तराच्छिद्रे दत्वाङ्गुष्ठेन युक्तितः ॥
तेन प्राणायाममध्ये सुखं तिष्ठति कुम्भके ॥ ३ ॥
ślakṣṇavallijacūrṇādyagoghṛtaṁ svānane purā |
upajihvāntarachidre datvāṅguṣṭhena yuktitaḥ ||
tena prāṇāyāmamadhye sukhaṁ tiṣṭhati kumbhake || 3 ||
Translation At first one should judiciously put the fine powder of black pepper mixed up with ghee in the opening of the uvula in the mouth with the help of the thumb. Thus, in the process of pranayama one can comfortably maintain kumbhaka.
Setting the Right Space and Context Before Pranava
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.4
न हि दहविस्मृतिमादकभावः प्रणवे पुरा चलमनोऽनुगावयोः ॥
सुखदो विनेन्दुलतयाऽमृतकर्त्या वपुषीष्टसिद्धिदान्यदुपायः ॥ ४ ॥
na hi dahavismṛtimādakabhāvaḥ praṇave purā calamano'nugāvayoḥ ||
sukhado vinendulatayā'mṛtakartyā vapuṣīṣṭasiddhidānyadupāyaḥ || 4 ||
Translation Before the practice of pranava, since a restless mind follows the senses, one would not experience swooning and obliviousness of the body. Without the (creeper) of moon producing pleasant ambrosia in the body there is no other means to have success.
Preparing for Yogic Experiences
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.6
शुद्धे चैकान्तदेशे शुचिर् अपगतभीः प्राङ्मुखो वोत्तरास्यः
स्थित्वा कृत्यंशुकाद्यैर्मृदुतर विशदे विष्टरेऽपास्तचिन्तः ॥
कृत्वा पीठानि मुद्रादिकमनु मितभुक् साधकः श्रीनृसिंघांघ्री
दत्वा हृत्त्व नत्वा गुरुपदमपतृट् मन्दमायाममीहेत् ॥ ६ ॥
śuddhe caikāntadeśe śucir apagatabhīḥ prāṅmukho vottarāsyaḥ
sthitvā kṛttyamśukādyairmṛdutara viśade viṣṭare'pāstacintaḥ ||
kṛtvā pīṭhāni mudrādikamanu mitabhuk sādhakaḥ śrīnrsiṁhāṁghrau
datvā hṛcca natvā Gurupadamapatṛṭ mandamāyāmamīhet || 6 ||
Translation Resorting to a serene and isolated countryside, after having been purified, free from fear and worries, one should sit on a seat of hide of antelope, cotton and other soft seat
Importance of Continuity
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.10
रेचपूरककुम्भान्ते नैषच्छान्तोऽपि साधकः ।
अभ्यासविच्छेदभियादनुस्यूतक्रियापरः ॥ १० ॥
recapūrakakumbhānte naiṣacchānto'pi sādhakaḥ |
abhyāsavicchedabhiyādanusyūtakriyāparaḥ || 10 ||
Translation A Yogi should not give into even a little complacency followed by recaka, puraka, and kumbhaka. One should remain engaged in the pranayama without giving any break in It.
Type of Sweat at Initial Stages
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.13
यः साधकस्य प्रथमं शरीरे घर्मः समायाति सुपूतिपिच्छलः ॥
समीररोधे श्रमजः शिराभ्यः कुम्भाग्निना यः स रसोद्भूते नवः ॥ १३ ॥
yaḥ sādhakasya prathamaṁ śarīre gharmaḥ samāyāti supūtipicchalaḥ ||
samīrarodhe śramajaḥ śirābhyaḥ kumbhāgninā yaḥ sa rasodbhūte navaḥ || 13 ||
Translation As a result of exertion during the holding of breath, the fire called kumbhagni produces morbid and sticky sweat which is peculiar in the body of the Yogi in the initial phase.
Body Indications of Progress on Control of Prana
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.18
प्रस्वेदः प्रथमः पश्चात् कम्पनं मुनिसत्तम ।
उत्थानं च शरीरस्य चिह्नमेतत् जितेऽनिले ।
एवमभ्यसतस्तस्य मूलरोगो विनश्यति ॥ १८ ॥
prasvedaḥ prathmaḥ paścāt kampanaṁ munisattama |
utthānaṁ ca śarīrasya cihnametat jite'nile |
evamabhyasatastasya mūlarogo vinaśyati || 18 ||
Translation Initially the practitioner experiences perspiration followed by tremors and thereafter levitation of the body - which are the signs of mastery over prana.
More Details on Progress in Yoga
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.28
पुरा मलाऽज्ञानपदेन्द्वपान-जाड्यं द्रुतं चास्य चित्तं सघर्मः ॥
ओजोऽमृताण्शं श्रमतोऽङ्गसारम्-अभ्यास ओर्व्यं बहिरेति देहात् ॥ २८ ॥
purā malā'jñānapadendvapāna-jāḍyaṁ drutaṁ cāsya cittaṁ sagharmaḥ ||
ojo'mṛtāṇśaṁ śramato'ṅgasāram-abhyāsa orvyaṁ bahireti dehāt || 28 ||
Translation Initially morbidity, ignorance and lethargy of the citta residing in the indu (nadi) and apana are removed along with perspiration. With the advancement of experience, ojas that forms the essence of the body and which is the part of ambrosia secretes abundantly from the body.
| Prior to Powers, Type of Sweat and Nadishuddhi | योगसिद्ध्यारम्भपूर्वकाले द्वादशमात्रकात् । नाडीशुद्ध्युत्तरं जातः सिद्धयङ्गं घर्म उत्तमः ॥ १४ ॥ | Translation Prior to the commencement of Siddhis, the secretion of perspiration which is considered superior and which is a part of Siddhis is followed by nadisuddhi practised with 12 matras (time units of retention) |
| Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.14 | Yogasiddhyārambhapūrvakāle dvādaśamātrakāt । nāḍīśuddhyuttaraṁ jātaḥ siddhyaṅgaṁ gharma uttamaḥ ॥ 14 ॥ |
| Signs of Happening of Yoga | Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.25 | Translation Profound revelation of nada, enhancement of (gastric) fire and sensation of touch, prolonged retention of (breath), removal of host of diseases, purification of nadi, slimness of the body, pleasing appearance, retention of bindu in the body, feeling of wellness, long life, clarity of vision - are signs of Yoga. |
|---|---|---|
| नादाभिव्यक्तिरुच्चैर्बलहुतवहदीपने स्पर्शन्नस्य भूयिष्ठं धारणं स्याद् गदगणदलनं नाडिसंशोधनं च ॥ कार्श्यं देहे प्रसादो भवति च वदने बिन्दुबन्धश्च तन्वाम् आरोग्यं दीर्घमायुर्नयनविषद्रता स्यादिदं योगलक्ष्म् ॥ २५ ॥ | ||
| nādābhivyaktiruccairbalahutavahoddīpanaṁ sparśannasya bhūyiṣṭhaṁ dhāraṇaṁ syād gadagaṇadalanaṁ nāḍīsaṁśodhanaṁ ca ॥ kārśyaṁ dehe prasādo bhavati ca vadane bindubandhaśca tanvām ārogyaṁ dīrghamāyurnayanaviṣadatā syādidam Yogalakṣma ॥ 25 ॥ |
| Signs of Advancement in Yoga | महापायुस्थं मलमतिनाडी-शुद्धिर्जयोऽत्र प्रणवस्य पायम् ॥ शान्तिः प्रदीप्तिर्मनसः प्रसादोऽभ्यास प्रवृद्धौ यमिनः सदाभ्याः ॥ २६ ॥ | Translation The excretions are passed out from the big intestine, purification of the nadis, sucess in pranava, atonement of sin, enhancement (of gastric fire), tranquillity of mind - are achieved through advanced practice by a practitioner. |
|---|---|---|
| Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.26 | mahāpāyusthaṁ malamatināḍī-śuddhir jayo'tra praṇavasya pāyam ॥ śāntiḥ pradīptirmanasaḥ prasādo'bhyāsa pravṛddhau yaminaḥ sadābhyaḥ ॥ 26 ॥ |
Success in the control of prana
manifesting in the transformation
of qualities
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.38
नाडीविशुद्ध्या प्रणवप्रयोगाद् आरम्भकाले हठसिद्धिचिह्नम् ॥
क्रमेण कम्पादि जितानिलानुरूपं हि धर्मान्तरमभ्युदेति ॥ ३८ ॥
nāḍīviśuddhyā praṇavaprayogād ārambhakāle haṭhasiddhicihnam ||
krameṇa kampādi jitānilānurūpaṃ hi dharmāntaramabhyudeti || 38 ||
Translation In the arambhavastha, due to purification of the nadis coupled with the practice of pranava, there gradually arises the signs of success in Hatha like tremors, etc. The very degree of control of prana itself manifests in the transformation of qualities.
Benefits of control of Prana
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.29
आयामतः प्राणजयस्य शैघ्र्यं गतो गुणोऽग्नेः क्षुदघ्नं भवति ॥
भौमो गुणः पीवरताऽस्तमेति तदाकृशत्वं लघुताङ्गदार्ढ्यम् ॥ २९ ॥
āyāmataḥ prāṇajayasya śaighryaṃ gato guṇo'gneḥ kṣudaghnaṃ bhavati ||
bhaumo guṇaḥ pīvaratā'stameti tadākṛśatvaṃ laghutāṅgadārḍhyam || 29 ||
Translation Control and winning over of prana qualitatively enhances (bodily) fire which (consequently) controls hunger. One gets rid of the corpulence which is (quality of) earth element, and makes on experiencing slimness, lightness and sturdiness of the limbs.
Yoga Brings Integrity and Control in the Body
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.33
प्राणस्तु चिद्रूप इनः प्रकाशो योगेन चापानहृदोर्मिथोऽत्वात् ॥
विमूढयोः सङ्गजजाड्यमाभ्यां मलक्षयेऽयं तनुसिद्धिबीजं ॥ ३३ ॥
prāṇastu cidrūpa inaḥ prakāśo yogena cāpānahṛdormitho'tvāt ||
vimūḍhayoḥ saṅgajajāḍyamābhyāṃ malakṣaye'yaṃ tanusiddhibījaṃ || 33 ||
Translation Prana in fact represents Sun which is light. Through Yoga one brings about harmony between apana and hrd (heart), which are otherwise inert. By removing inertia from these through elimination of impurities, it brings control over the body.
Benefits of Eliminating Impurities in the Nadis
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.35
नाडीमध्यमलक्षयेऽल्पशयनं मूत्रं विदुस्तेन सः
पुंसः स्वल्पमरोगता न कृमयो लाला न घर्मोऽरतिः ॥
दुःश्लेष्मानिलपित्तशान्तिरमलः कायो भवेत् सुन्दरस्
तावत् कालभयं कुभोज्यनियमग्राहं भजेदल्पभुक् ॥ ३५ ॥
nāḍīmadhyamalakṣaye'lpaśayanaṁ mūtraṁ vidustena saḥ
puṁsaḥ svalpamarogatā na kṛmayo lālā na gharmo'ratiḥ ||
duḥśleṣmānilapittaśāntiramalaḥ kāyo bhavet sundaras
tāvat kālabhayaṁ kubhojyaniyamagrāhaṁ bhajedalpabhuk || 35 ||
Translation When the impurities lying in the nadis are eliminated, one experiences reduced sleep and scanty urination. Moreover, he has less (chance) of ailments, worms, saliva, perspiration, disinterestedness, insidious (kapha) phlegm, vata and pitta - thus rendering the body purified and handsome. One faces fear (premature) death who sticks to unwholesome food. Therefore one should consume moderate food.
Guru is Needed for Success in Nadishuddhi
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.39
सगर्भकायामत उद्गतांहो मुनिस्तदारम्भ उदेति सिद्धिभूः ॥
सन्नाडिशुद्धेः परिणाम एषः सम्प्राप्यते सद्गुरुणा विना नो ॥ ३९ ॥
sagarbhakāyāmata udgatāṁho munistadārambha udeti siddhibhūḥ ||
sannāḍiśuddheḥ pariṇāma eṣaḥ samprāpyate sadGuruṇā vinā no || 39 ||
Translation Practice of sagarbha pranayama alleviates sins (impurities). In the armabha stage the foundation for success is laid for the muni. The effects of nadisuddhi are not obtained without guidance of a genuine Guru.
Kumbhaka Practice During the Day
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.40
प्रभाते च मध्यन्दिने सायमर्धनिशायां शनैरभ्यसेत् कुम्भकान् ज्ञः ॥
सदाशीति८०पर्यन्तमभ्यासलक्षस्-चतुर्वारमङ्गानि मध्येऽभ्यसन् सत् ॥ ४० ॥
prabhāte ca madhyandine sāyamardhaniśāyāṁ śanairabhyaset kumbhakān jñaḥ ||
sadāśīti80paryantamabhyāsadakṣaś-caturvāramaṅgāni madhye'bhyasan sat || 40 ||
Translation A wise should practise 80 rounds of kumbhakas in the morning, noon, evening and midnight. Once one gains more proficiency, one should practise the other (Yogic) angas in between.
Importance of Shakti
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch.41.41
चैतं जीतातन्मनि जितानिलपावकाभ्यां
नो शक्तिबोधनमृतेऽस्ति समाजन्म ॥ ४१ ॥
Translation When the self (mind) is controlled along with prana and agni, a muni attains special abilities like reaching far and movement in the space, clairvoyance, ability to disappear, anima, etc. All this is not possible without the awakening of shakti (kundalini). Life is not worthwhile unless there is awakening of shakti.
The Soul Does Not Leave A Blissful Body
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 5, Verse 59)
इन्धनानि यथा वह्निस्-तैलवत्तिं च दिपकः ॥
तथा सोमकलापूर्णं देही देहं न मुञ्चति ॥ ५९ ॥
indhanāni yathā vahnis-tailavattiṁ ca dīpakaḥ ||
tathā somakalāpūrṇaṁ dehī dehaṁ na muñcati || 59 ||
Translation The embodied soul (of a Yogi) does not leave the body, which is full of nectar oozing from the moon, like fire does not leave the fire-wood and flame does not leave an oily stick. 59.
Bliss Overcomes Poison in the Yogi's Body
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 5, Verse 60)
नित्यं सोमकलापूर्णं शरीरं यस्य योगिनः ॥
तक्षकेनापि दष्टस्य विषं तस्य न बाधतेश् ॥ ६० ॥
nityaṁ somakalāpūrṇaṁ śarīraṁ yasya Yoginaḥ ||
takṣakenāpi daṣṭasya na bādhate || 60 ||
Translation A Yogi, whose body is filled up with nectar (soma) flowing from the moon, is not affected by the venom, when bitten by takṣaka (the deadliest snake) || 60 ||
Yama Defined
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Tejo Bindu Upanishad 1.17
सर्वं ब्रह्मेति वै ज्ञानादिन्द्रियग्रामसंयमः ।
यमोऽऽयमिति संप्रोक्तोऽभ्यसनीयो मुहुर्मुहुः ॥ १७ ॥
sarvaṃ brahmeti vai jñānādindriyagrāma-saṃyamaḥ |
yamo''yamiti saṃprokto'bhyasanīyo muhurmuhuḥ || 17 ||
Translation Abstinence (Yama) is bringing of the sense under control through the knowledge that 'all is Brahman [sarvaṃ brahmeti]'. This Yama should constantly be practiced, again and again.
Yama Defined
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Trishikhi Brahmana Upanishad, 28
देहेन्द्रियेषु वैराग्यं यम इत्युच्यते बुधैः ।
अनुरक्तः परे तत्वे सततं नियमः स्मृतः ॥ २८ ॥
dehendriyeṣu vairāgyaṃ yama ityucyate budhaiḥ |
anuraktaḥ pare tatve satataṃ niyamaḥ smṛtaḥ || 28 ||
Translation Yama (Abstinence) is called as the detachment or dispassion [vairagya] from the body and senses, say the sages. Consistent attachment towards the Absolute Principle is called Niyama.
Niyama
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Tejo Bindu Upanishad 1.18
सजातीयप्रवाहश्च विजातीयतिरस्कृतिः ।
नियमो हि परानन्दो नियमात्क्रियते बुधैः ॥ १८ ॥
sajātīyapravāhaśca vijātīyatiraskṛtiḥ |
niyamo hi parānando niyamātkriyate budhaiḥ || 18 ||
Translation To direct the mental current towards the basic unity of all things and to divert it from the observation of differences is 'Observance' - Niyama; therein lies transcendent bliss [parānanda]. It should be practiced regularly by the wise. "This constant inclination towards the Supreme Essence is traditionally known as the 'Observance'.
Alleviating Chronic and
Incurable Diseases through Asana
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Chapter 7.4
नियमैश्च यमृैर्विषानि रोगाः
प्रविनश्यन्ति सुसंयुतस्य पीठैः ॥
चिरकालयदान्तरा असाध्या
यमिनः साधुजिताशनस्य पुंसः ॥ ४ ॥
niyamaiśca yamairviṣāṇi rogāḥ
pravinaśyanti susaṁyutasya pīṭhaiḥ ||
cirakālayadāntarā asādhyā
yaminaḥ sādhujitāśanasya puṁsaḥ || 4 ||
Translation A Yogī, who is well -balanced, has control over food intake can alleviate the chronic and incurable diseases and toxicity through the practice of yama, niyama and āsana. 4.
Tyāga
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Tejo Bindu Upanishad 1.19
त्यागः प्रपञ्चरूपस्य सच्चिदात्मावलोकनात् ।
त्यागो हि महता पूज्यः सद्यो मोक्षप्रदायकः ॥ १९ ॥
tyāgaḥ prapañcarūpasya saccidātmāvalokanāt |
tyāgo hi mahatā pūjyaḥ sadyo mokṣapradāyakaḥ || 19 ||
Translation Tyāga is the renouncing of the form of the phenomenal world or perceptional reality [prapañca rūpa], as the result of the intranalysing the ever-existing essence of Consciousness, the Ātman, and should, indeed, be highly adored by the great Beings, as it is capable of giving (them) instantaneous liberation [moksha] from all incompletions.
Mouna (the Pure Silence)
Śāstra Pramāṇa -शास्त्र प्रमाण Tejo Bindu Upanishad 1.20, 1.21. 1.22
यस्माद्वाचो निवर्तन्ते अप्राप्य मनसा सह ।
यन्मौनं योगिभिर्गम्यं तद्भजेत्सर्वदा बुधः ॥ २०॥
वाचो यस्मान्निवर्तन्ते तद्वक्तुं केन शक्यते ।
प्रपञ्चो यदि वक्तव्यः सोऽपि शब्दविवर्जितः ॥ २१॥
इति वा तद्भवेन्मौनं सर्वं सहजसंज्ञितम् ।
गिरां मौनं तु बालानामयुक्तं ब्रह्मवादिनाम् ॥ २२॥
yasmādvāco nivartante aprāpya manasā saha |
yanmaunaṁ Yogibhirgamyaṁ tadbhajetsarvadā budhaḥ || 20||
vāco yasmānnivartante tadvaktuṁ kena śakyate |
prapañco yadi vaktavyaḥ so'pi śabdavivarjitaḥ || 21 ||
iti vā tadbhavenmaunaṁ sarvaṁ sahajasaṁjñitam |
girāṁ maunaṁ tu bālānāmayuktaṁ brahmavādinām || 22 ||
Translation When the speech (vāca) returns foiled along with the mind, that Pure Silence, Mauna, which is worthy of being attained by Yogins, will always be attained by the inanimate (organs of sound, etc.).
When speech returns (foiled), by whom will it be possible to express That? If the world is to be told (of it), even that (world) is devoid of (suitable articulate) sounds (for conveying the idea).
In either case, there is Mauna, as all nomenclature is based on the inherent qualities (of the things to be named). Mauna, the Pure Silence in relation to word of mouth is for simple folk and is inapplicable to those who identify with the Brahman, Brahmavādīs.
About Mouna
Śāstra Pramāṇa -शास्त्र प्रमाण Mundaka Upanishad, verse 2.2.5
यस्मिन् द्यौः पृथिवी चान्तरिक्षमोतं मनः सह प्राणैश्च सर्वैः ।
तमेवैकं जानथ आत्मानमन्या वाचो विमुञ्चथामृतस्यैष सेतुः ॥ ५ ॥
yasmin dyauḥ pṛthivī cāntarīkṣamotam manaḥ saha prāṇaiśca sarvaiḥ |
tamevaikaṃ jānatha ātmānamanyā vāco vimuñcath-āmṛtasyaiṣa setuḥ || 5 ||
Translation He in whom the heaven, the earth, the antariksha (the inter space), and the mind with the pranas are centred; know him alone to be the Atman (Self) of all by virtue of being liberated from speech [vāco vimuñcat]; this is the bridge to the nectar of immortality.(Note: Here the word 'mauna' is not directly used. The verse says 'vāco vimuñcat - dropping the speech or being liberated from speech.')
About Mouna
Śāstra Pramāṇa -शास्त्र प्रमाण Chandogya Upanishad, 8.5.2
ह्येव सत आत्मनस्त्राणं विन्दतेऽथ यन्मौनमित्याचक्षते
ब्रह्मचर्यमेव तद्ब्रह्मचर्येण ह्येवात्मानमनुविद्य मनुते ' ॥ ८.५.२॥
hyeva sata ātmanastrāṇaṃ vindate'tha yanmaunamityācakṣate
brahmacaryameva tabbrahmacaryeṇa hyevātmānamanuvidya manute'|| 8.5.2||
Translation For by means of Brahmacarya, one obtains from the True (Sat) the safety (traṇa) of the self. What people call the vow of silence (mauna), that is really Brahmacarya. For after knowing the Self from the scriptures one contemplates (manute) on it.
On Asana
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Tejo Bindu Upanishad 1.25, 1.26
सुखेनैव भवेद्-यस्मिन्-अजस्रं ब्रह्मचिन्तनम् ।
आसनं तद्विजानीयादन्यत्- सुखविनाशनम् ॥ २५ ॥
सिद्धये सर्वभूतादि विश्वाधिष्ठानम्-अद्वयम् ।
यस्मिन्सिद्धिं गताः सिद्धास्तत्-सिद्धासन-मुच्यते ॥ २६॥
yasmin dyauḥ pṛthivī cāntarīkṣamotam manaḥ saha prāṇaiśca sarvaiḥ |
tamevaikaṃ jānatha ātmānamanyā vāco vimuñcath-āmṛtasyaiṣa setuḥ || 5 ||
Translation That state in which, without effort, the constant contemplation on the Brahman, the Ultimate Consciousness is possible is called 'Asana'; any change in it destroys the experience of joy.
The feeling of indifference towards all things is said to be the highest Āsana. Being established in the non-dual universe [advayam], wherein all beings have their origin, is (meant) for final attainment. Wherein the accomplished ones have reached their final attainment (the Brahman), that is known as the Siddhasana.
Deha Samyama
(Body Equilibrium)
Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Tejo Bindu Upanishad 1.28.
अङ्गानां समतां विद्यात्समे ब्रह्मणि लीयते ।
नो चेन्नैव समानत्वमृजुत्वं शुष्कवृक्षवत् ॥ २८ ॥
aṅgānāṃ samatāṃ vidyātsame brahmaṇi līyate |
no cennaiva samānatva-mṛjutvaṃ śuṣkavṛkṣavat || 28 ||
Translation Looking upon all the limbs of Yoga [anga] as sameness (establishing your body in oneness), dissolve them equally in the Brahman. Without this, to try to straighten the waist or limbs or to bring them in equilibrium is as (useless as) if they were (the branches of) a dead tree.
Drishti (The Vision filled with essence of Brahman)
Śāstra Pramāṇa -शास्त्र प्रमाण Tejo Bindu Upanishad 1.29
दृष्टिं ज्ञानमयीं कृत्वा पश्येद्ब्रह्ममयं जगत् ।
सा दृष्टिः परमोदारा न नासाग्रावलोकिनी ॥ २९ ॥
dṛṣṭiṃ jñānamayīṃ kṛtvā paśyedbrahmamayaṃ jagat |
sā dṛṣṭiḥ paramodārā na nāsāgrāvalokinī || 29 ||
Translation When seen with the sight of pure knowledge, the Universe appears filled with the essence of Brahman, the Ultimate Expansive Consciousness. It is that sight [dṛṣṭiḥ] which uplifts and raises, not the looking at the tip of one's nose.
Yogic Lifestyle- Keeping the Mind Balanced
Sākṣī Pramāṇa - साक्षी प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
When I was in the sports world, there was a constant roller coaster of being praised by teammates and coaches and on the other hand, being abused by opponents and their fans. Yoga balanced my mind and taught me mental stability and strength. I experienced competitive sports along with auspicious uncertainties of every day life. The heightened awareness, and opportunity to respond with improved intelligence has made me a much more powerful being.
Sri Nithya Dridhananda, Hockey Player, Vancouver, Sadashivatva May 2017
Manifesting the Source of Energy through the Body
Sākṣī Pramāṇa - साक्षी प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
I always had a difficult relationship with my body, a lot of body hatred was there. During Nithyananda Yoga at Sadashivatva, I achieved 108 rounds of Surya Namaskar in one flow. At one point, I stopped thinking and went with the flow. I felt free, free from my mind. The Prana just kept me going, even my difficulty with doing push ups disappeared. The Prana literally increased in my body and I still felt energetic at the end. During those 108 Surya Namaskars, I just enjoyed being in oneness with my body.
Pia Marlenè Pump, Fitness Trainer, Germany, Sadashivatva May 2017
On the Experience of Oneness with the Elements Through Asanas
Sākśī Pramāṇa - साक्षी प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Doing 108 Surya Namaskar at Sadashivatva in May 2017 gave me a strong experience of becoming one with the sun. I was becoming light, overflowing light. I was not the one moving. I was only breathing. At the end, I experienced Prana Shakti, the life force energy energizing my body.
Sri Nithya Ekatmananda, Psychology Student, Denmark, Sadashivatva May 2017
Manifesting Oneness in Asanas
Sākśī Pramāṇa - साक्षी प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
The moment I started the series of 108 Surya Namaskar, Swamiji sent different visions to me. In one of the visions I was in water and saw a huge temple, I little far off the water. I felt a sense of confusion about who I am. I felt body tingeling and energy floating through my body. It was very intense and beautiful, very blissful. Towards the end, I came to a sense of who I am, oneness with Sadashiva.
Jahdiel Hernandez, Musician/Chef, Hawai'i, Sadashivatva May 2017
mitahara
The Yogic Diet